Chile
Atacama Desert
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Welcome to Chile! The Atacama Desert is the driest non-polar desert on the planet — some parts have barely seen a drop of rain in hundreds of years. Its clear, dark skies make it one of the best places on Earth to see the stars.
Why is it special?
It is the driest desert outside of the polar regions, with some weather stations never recording any rainfall at all.
Its super clear, dry air makes the night sky here some of the darkest and clearest anywhere on Earth.
How does it live?
The desert forms because tall mountains block rain clouds on one side, and cold ocean currents keep moisture from building up on the other.
Even though it is so dry, hardy plants, insects, and animals like foxes and flamingos have found clever ways to survive here.
Amazing facts
Scientists have used the Atacama's soil to test equipment for Mars missions because it looks so much like the red planet!
Some of the world's most powerful telescopes, including ALMA, are built here because the sky is so clear.
Quick facts
- Scientists have used the Atacama's soil to test equipment for Mars missions because it looks so much like the red planet!
- Some of the world's most powerful telescopes, including ALMA, are built here because the sky is so clear.
- Every few years, when a little rain does fall, the desert bursts into a rare event called the 'desert in bloom,' covered in colorful wildflowers.
- The Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) here has such strange, rocky landscapes that it really does look like the surface of the moon.